Starting in Kenshi means starting from nothing. You’re weak, vulnerable, and one bad encounter away from being food—or a slave. That’s why many players, both new and experienced, choose to buy property in a city to kickstart their journey. But not all cities are created equal.

This guide breaks down the top three early-game cities based on five key criteria:

1. Location – Nearby opportunities and challenges
2. Faction Control – How friendly or oppressive the ruling faction is
3. Shops – Quantity and quality of commercial establishments
4. Real Estate – Available property for purchase
5. Unique Amenities – Special features that provide value

Let’s dive into the best cities you can settle in when starting your Kenshi adventure.

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1. Squin – A Safe Haven for New Players

Faction: Shek Kingdom
Region: Border Zone

Why Squin? Squin is practically designed for new players. Located in the Border Zone, it’s one of the safest yet productive areas early on. It’s less dangerous than its neighbors, but close enough to tougher zones to escalate your gameplay when you’re ready.

Faction Benefits: The Shek Kingdom are solid allies. While they do drug checks, hemp is legal, and you’ll only run into issues with hashish.

Shops:

• 2 Bars
• 4 Shops including an Armor Shop and Travel Gear Shop – perfect for essentials like splints, backpacks, and medkits.

Real Estate:

• 2 Collapsed Longhouses (only 7,200 cats)
• 2 Fully Built Longhouses

Collapsed buildings cost less and only need 16 building materials to repair, making them incredibly cost-effective.

Amenities:

• 2 Iron veins and 2 Copper veins nearby
• Central location with quick access to mid-level and advanced zones

Verdict:
If you’re starting out and want safety, opportunity, and efficiency—Squin is the go-to choice.

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2. Stack – Safety Under the Holy Nation

Faction: Holy Nation
Region: Holy Nation Territory

Why Stack? Stack rivals Squin in early-game value, especially for players who don’t mind navigating the Holy Nation’s strict rules. The city offers a surprisingly high level of safety, ideal for players planning a focused early game in relative peace.

Faction Warnings: The Holy Nation is extremely restrictive. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Always include a male Greenlander or Scorchlander in your squad
• Keep female non-Greenlanders accompanied
• Avoid Prosthetics, Skeletons, and carrying Ancient Science Books or Hashish
• Carry a copy of the Holy Flame to appease inquisitive guards

Shops:

• 3 Bars
• 5 Shops including a General Shop and Mechanical Shop
• 1 Bakery

Real Estate:

• 1 Collapsed Small Shack
• 2 Small Shacks
• 1 Collapsed Longhouse

Amenities:

• A Level 3 Well that can be looted infinitely
• Copper vein inside the city (extremely rare and safe)
• 2 more copper veins and 1 iron vein nearby

Verdict:
If you follow the rules, Stack offers unmatched safety and utility, perfect for players who want structure and reliable development.

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3. Stoat – Freedom and Commercial Power in the United Cities

Faction: United Cities
Region: South-Central Map

Why Stoat? Though it doesn’t have the pristine location of Stack or Squin, Stoat excels with freedom and commercial access. It offers plenty of stores, decent safety, and fantastic opportunities for growth.

Faction Trade-offs: The United Cities allow prosthetics and mixed-race squads, but:

• Corrupt guards may arrest you arbitrarily
• You can be extorted or accused of smuggling
• Unconscious characters can be enslaved

That said, they offer more freedom than the Holy Nation in terms of character composition.

Shops:

• 1 Bar
• 1 Bakery
• 7 General and Specialist Shops

Real Estate:

• Multiple properties including:
  • Small Shacks
  • Large Houses
  • Variety of layouts and prices

Amenities:

• 2 Nearby Copper Veins
• 1 Iron Vein
• Public sleeping bag area (free healing/rest)

Faction Tip:
Ally with the United Cities by capturing and turning in Outlaw Farmers. This builds reputation and unlocks benefits.

Verdict:
Stoat is the best starting city if you want freedom, shops, and long-term expansion—as long as you can navigate its quirky justice system.

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Honorable Mention: Mongrel – The Hardcore Player’s Paradise

Faction: Tech Hunters
Region: Fog Islands

Why Mongrel? If you’re not afraid of the Fog Islands, Mongrel offers incredible value for players seeking a high-risk, high-reward lifestyle.

Faction Benefits:

• No restrictions on race, gear, or inventory
• Tech Hunters are neutral and protective

Shops:

• Robotics Workshop: Often sells specialist+ limbs
• General Stores, Bars, and more

Real Estate:

• 2 Small Shacks
• 1 Y-House for expansion

Amenities:

• Automated Level 3 Ore Drill (free iron, 24/7)
• Shinobi Thieves Tower nearby
• 2 Iron veins just outside the gate

Verdict:
For experienced players or those wanting a unique start, Mongrel is a gem. It combines freedom, elite gear, and training opportunities—if you can survive the fog.

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Final Thoughts

Each city has its strengths:

• Squin for balanced safety and simplicity
• Stack for rule-abiding sanctuary
• Stoat for economic and racial freedom
• Mongrel for challenge and high-end potential

No matter your starting style or character setup, one of these cities will offer the tools you need to build, grow, and thrive in the brutal world of Kenshi.